Cowes Sports succumbed to a 0-5 defeat against AFC Stoneham in the Wessex Premier at Westwood Park last night (Tuesday), despite a series of outstanding first-half saves from goalkeeper Ed Hatt.
The Purples, strong favourites for the title and beaten only once last season – by Cowes themselves – arrived on the Isle of Wight determined to show their superiority. The Yachtsmen made a positive start and almost grabbed the lead in the 7th minute when a corner found Phillips unmarked at the back post, but the shot was off target.
From then on, Stoneham seized control, pinning Cowes back and creating a string of chances. Hatt produced several superb stops, diving full stretch to turn shots aside and blocked close-range efforts to keep the visitors at bay. Oatley and Colson also stood firm with vital challenges as the Yachtsmen dug deep.
The resistance was finally broken in the 40th minute when Tyrrell Sampson reacted quickest to slot home from close range (0-1). Cowes management believed the scorer had been offside, but the goal stood. In stoppage time, Stoneham struck again as Duarte Martins finished smartly to double the advantage (0-2).
Half-time: Cowes Sports 0-2 Stoneham.
The Yachtsmen re-emerged after the break but were quickly pegged back again. On 53 minutes, Alex Welch converted a low cross from the right (0-3), and just four minutes later Sampson grabbed his second of the night from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the area (0-4).
Cowes continued to fight and worked openings of their own. McFarlane carried the ball purposefully through midfield, while substitute Backshall looked sharp after being played through by Cook, only to be flagged narrowly offside. Sanderson volleyed over from a Phillips corner, and McKie tested the keeper with a looping header that was safely gathered.
Stoneham rounded off the scoring in the 86th minute when Jamie Johnston rose at the back post to power in a header beyond Hatt (0-5), sealing a result that underlined their promotion credentials.
Full-time: Cowes Sports 0-5 AFC Stoneham.
Cowes Sports: Hatt, Flood, Perrin, Chase, Oatley (c), Colson, McKie, Phillips, McFarlane, Cook, Carter-Knight Subs: Haward, Cruttenden, Backshall, Berry, Sanderson Man-of-the-match Ryan Oatley
After the game, co-manager Ian Potts said:
“It was a very tough game. The first 35 minutes, we were in the game – we looked good and solid. I had a chat with the lads at half time to keep doing what you’re doing and keep being solid.
“Stoneham are the best team in the league. They have been for the last few years. The lads got taught a lesson. They did well to the end. They kept going and stuck to the principles of what we’re trying to do. I can’t fault them at all.
“That’s the best team we’ve played against – the team that will probably win the league. They’re ruthless. If you give them a chance, they’ll kill you.”
The Yachtsmen will look to respond on Saturday (4th October) when unbeaten Hamble Club make the trip to Westwood Park.
